Inaugural festival set for Labor Day weekend at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

If you’re searching for former IndyCar drivers, or more specifically a certain Indianapolis 500 winner, look no further than California’s Monterey Peninsula. That is where Danny Sullivan not only lives but also from where he keeps his hand in the racing world.

Sullivan, who famously won the 1985 Indy 500 after his “spin and win,” lives in Carmel. He was named recently as grand marshal for the inaugural Aston Martin Motorsports Festival organized and created by motorsports executive and entrepreneur Kevin Buckler of The Racers Group-Aston Martin Racing (TRG-AMR).

“Danny brings a certain panache and profile to an event that we believe will become one of the high-profile car festivals in North America,” said Buckler, CEO and founder of the 23-year-old company. “Danny has been a friend for a long time, and when I asked him to take on this role, he didn’t hesitate.”

As grand marshal, Sullivan will be involved in pre-event, public-relations efforts and be front and center in many of the high-profile events during festival weekend. Among those happenings are an Aston Martin car parade down Pebble Beach’s famous 17-Mile Drive and two salutatory wine dinners: One is a welcome dinner open to the public on Friday, Aug. 29, at the track’s hillside Red Bull Energy Center; the other is an invitation-only event at the Pasadena Country Club. Recording artist Al Spencer will perform at the Friday dinner. Saturday’s dinner will feature wine superstars Fred Schrader of Schrader Cellars, Michael Browne of Cirq and formerly Kosta Browne, and Buckler’s own award-winning Adobe Road winery.

While the festival will focus on motorsports, Aston Martin North America is supporting it in a big way, lending the event nine of its road-car models, including the new Vanquish Volante, with support from product specialists. In addition, a “history wall” of Aston Martin’s heritage will be on display in the fan and entertainment zone.

A full slate of on-track activity is confirmed, featuring not only two GT4 Challenge races, but also track time for Aston Martin owners club members, and rides for key corporate groups and dealership customers. In addition, the festival will have an “On Stage” feature, highlighting celebrities such as Sullivan who will be available for autographs and a question-and-answer session.

For more information about the inaugural three-day Aston Martin Motorsports Festival, visit trg-astonmartinracing.com/festival